Merlot

What is Merlot? Anchoring a charming stretch of Bloor Street West in The Kingsway for more than two decades, Merlot is an enduring, Parisian-style French bistro known for warm hospitality and classic cooking. The intimate interior balances dark wood finishes, framed vintage prints, and soft lighting with a cozy bar counter and snug dining tables. Upstairs, a tree-canopied rooftop patio provides breezy al fresco dining throughout the warmer months.

Merlot Menu & What to Order The kitchen leans into time-honoured bistro repertoire, turning out rich Soupe à l'Oignon Gratinée topped with bubbling Emmental cheese alongside garlic-and-herb Escargot de Bourgogne. Mains excel with the crisp Duck Confit paired with duck-fat roasted garlic potatoes, tender calf liver Lyonnaise, and expertly handled Steak Frites. Pair your meal with an approachable French red from the wine list, leaving room for a slice of warm tarte aux pommes or classic crème brûlée.

Know Before You Go Table reservations through the restaurant's website are strongly recommended for weekend dinners, though solo diners can often snag an open stool at the bar. The dining room is located just a two-minute walk from Royal York subway station on Line 2, with metered street parking available along Bloor. Operating hours run daily for lunch and dinner, winding down at 9:00 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday and 10:00 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.